Main menu

Access: The Power of Paper Maps

By Brian Fox, United States Geological Survey

Mapping is important these days. Maps are critical to helping people discover the closest coffee shop, navigate to a new place or, in our case, discover and experience new trails. Maps, to me, mean anything from the latest app on your phone (like MTB Project) to that folded cartographic product you carry in your pack. Both do the same thing: help you explore trails on public lands. Maps may be one of the most important accessories for a mountain biker, as they answer the question, “Where should I go ride?”